The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s volunteer committee hosted an Austrian ball fit for royalty at the Royal York Hotel to celebrate Mozart’s birthday this week.

The benefit, titled “Mozart Unmasqued”, sought to raise $200,000 for the TSO. The fairytale evening was hosted by the elegant Marianne Ounjian, cousin of TSO conductor Peter Oundjian, a classical music enthusiast herself.

Oundjian and her committee began planning the event last spring.

“When you love something you do what you have to, to support it,” she said of her efforts.

Many committee members wore elaborate costumes, lent by the baroque performance company, Opera Atelier, for the evening.

“I’m crazy about classical music and love being a part of this team,” said committee member Reny Burrows who helped arrange for the costumes.

During cocktail hour guests bid on silent auction items, while hearing a trio play Mozart. Although the event was primarily a TSO benefit, the Red Cross also took donations to help Haiti disaster victims.

After a champagne toast to the prodigy composer, guests were ushered in to a lavishly decorated dining room to enjoy selections from Don Giovanni by singers Russel Braun, and Shannon Mercer.

Afterward, Maestro Ignat Solzhenitsyn surprised the crowd with a Mozart piano piece.

“The beauty of Mozart is in the simplicity of Mozart,” said Oundjian in response to the performance.

While Oundjian’s conductor cousin was unable to attend, he did send his regards by way of a recorded message.

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Mozart Unmasqued is part of the Mozart festival, which concluded this week at Roy Thomson Hall.